The President James K. Polk Home offers plenty of opportunities for kids to learn outside of school. Our educational camps give kids hands-on history lessons through historic crafts, games, and activities.
Our 2026 Polk Academy Summer Camps Have Launched!
$200 members | $225 non-members
Since 1998, Polk Academy has invited campers graduating the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade to learn about life in the 19th century through crafts, activities, and living history presentations. From wood graining to candle making to water balloon war reenactments, the Polk Home’s seminal summer camp has something for everyone.
Join us in the summer of 2026 for the following camps: Tennessee Time Traveler Camp, Gold Rush Camp, History Detective Camp!
The “click here to register” button will take you to the registration and payment for each individual camp.
Camp runs from 9 AM to 2 PM daily.
Tuition includes all necessary supplies and a daily snack.
Students should pack their own lunch.
Enrollment is limited, so register early!
History Detectives Camp
Calling all curious kids! Step behind the scenes of a real museum and become a History Detective. In this hands-on summer camp, campers will investigate historic objects, uncover clues from the past, and learn how museums care for, study, and display artifacts.
Participants will practice real curating skills: examining artifacts, documenting discoveries, preserving objects, and designing a mini-exhibit, all while exploring history through games, challenges, and creative projects. By the end of the week, campers will have solved historical mysteries and curated their very own exhibit!
Tennessee Time Traveler Camp
Join this exciting camp to travel through hundreds of years of Tennessee history, from Native American civilizations into the mid-20th century. Campers will experience 5 days of exciting hands-on activities and crafts that will encourage them to think about what life was like for Tennesseans throughout history. Weave baskets as we explore life for Cherokee Indians, dip candles like a pioneer, learn about life in Civil War encampments, play Victorian-era parlor and yard games, and explore new inventions in this fun camp!
Gold Rush Camp
In James K. Polk’s final address to Congress, he confirmed the discovery of gold in California! Campers will engage in 5 days of hands-on activities and exciting presentations that will take them from the Polk White House, to the volunteer army corps of the Mexican-American War, to the Oregon Trail, and all the way to the goldfields of California! Fun activities will include a gold panning and gem finding experience and more.
